Hospitality/Tourism - Crain's Detroit Businesshttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/topic/1270
Latest news and features from crainsdetroit.comen-usSun, 2 Aug 2015 16:26:03 EDT10Hospitality/Tourism - Crain's Detroit Business14416http://www.crainsdetroit.com/topic/1270
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/assets/cd/cdb_logo_rss.gifHotel, apartments planned for downtown Royal Oak get $4.5 million state loanhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150728/NEWS/150729869/hotel-apartments-planned-for-downtown-royal-oak-get-4-5-million
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150728/NEWS/150729869/hotel-apartments-planned-for-downtown-royal-oak-get-4-5-millionTue, 28 Jul 2015 13:00:00 EDT
Kirk Pinho
- A $48 million mixed-use development planned for a key location in downtown Royal Oak has received $4.5 million in Michigan Community Revitalization Program funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. The project at 400 N. Main St., proposed by Southfield-based Versa Development LLC and Royal Oak-based CG Emerson Real Estate Group through an entity called Trailhead RO LLC in Southfield, is planned to consist of a 120-room Hyatt Place hotel, a mixed-use building with 56 apartments,]]>North Carolina teen, among 30,000 who visited Detroit last week: 'You are so very much alive'http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150724/BLOG009/150729909/north-carolina-teen-among-30000-who-visited-detroit-last-week-you
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150724/BLOG009/150729909/north-carolina-teen-among-30000-who-visited-detroit-last-week-youFri, 24 Jul 2015 12:58:17 EDT
Sherri Welch
- Last week, I blogged about the impact the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Youth Gathering in Detroit would have on the city, bringing an estimated $30 million in spending with its 30,000 attendees -- and many hands to volunteer efforts across the city and area. What I couldn't have known was the impact Detroit would have on the high school students in town for the conference. A North Carolina student, however, touched on the picture she gained of the city, quite poetically, in a]]>$12 million renovation on tap for former Holiday Inn of Southfieldhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150722/NEWS/150729946/-12-million-renovation-on-tap-for-former-holiday-inn-of-southfield
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150722/NEWS/150729946/-12-million-renovation-on-tap-for-former-holiday-inn-of-southfieldWed, 22 Jul 2015 13:57:28 EDTMetro Detroit adds 17,000 hotel rooms in 30 years, but more rooms still needed downtown, analysis showshttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150718/NEWS/150719827/metro-detroit-adds-17000-hotel-rooms-in-30-years-but-more-rooms
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150718/NEWS/150719827/metro-detroit-adds-17000-hotel-rooms-in-30-years-but-more-roomsSat, 18 Jul 2015 13:00:00 EDT
Sherri Welch
- Thirty years ago, the $180 million expansion of Cobo Center gave Detroit one of the five largest convention centers in the country. But according to a story on Page 1 of the July 22,1985, issue, large national associations said the city needed thousands more rooms before they'd bring an event here. From the archives: Hotel rooms hold key to Cobo use (July 22, 1985) The Detroit/Dearborn area has added more than 2,100 rooms since then, many of them downtown, according to Hendersonville, Tenn.-]]>July 22, 1985: Hotel rooms hold key to Cobo usehttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150718/NEWS/150719824/july-22-1985-hotel-rooms-hold-key-to-cobo-use
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150718/NEWS/150719824/july-22-1985-hotel-rooms-hold-key-to-cobo-useSat, 18 Jul 2015 08:00:00 EDTHow does Shepler's celebrate 70 years on the water? Adding its first boat in 3 decadeshttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150714/NEWS/150719886/how-does-sheplers-celebrate-70-years-on-the-water-adding-its-first
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150714/NEWS/150719886/how-does-sheplers-celebrate-70-years-on-the-water-adding-its-firstTue, 14 Jul 2015 15:37:02 EDT
Lindsay VanHulle
- Chris Shepler and his family are celebrating the 70th anniversary of their namesake Mackinac Island ferry company in a big way — with their first new boat in nearly three decades. That could mean more trips and later departures for Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry, a third-generation company that has seen as much as 25 percent higher passenger demand for ferry service to the island in the past three years. With the christening Sunday of the new Miss Margy — a $3.8 million, 85-]]>Greece's financial crisis won't deter travels, but could impact local bizhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150712/NEWS/307129986/greeces-financial-crisis-wont-deter-travels-but-could-impact-local
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150712/NEWS/307129986/greeces-financial-crisis-wont-deter-travels-but-could-impact-localSun, 12 Jul 2015 08:00:00 EDTVickie Elmer
Special to Crain's Detroit Business - With Greece nearly out of cash and edging closer to economic collapse, Greek immigrants and Greek-American business owners in metro Detroit worry about their relatives there — and their supplies of imported products. Most don't plan to alter summer travel plans to their home country or expect to experience a specific business decline from the country's troubles, but they do remain in suspense over Greece's fate. They are concerned about their homeland and its small businesses, too. "I]]>A resort town's savior? Call him a big two-hearted giverhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150712/NEWS/307129978/a-resort-towns-savior-call-him-a-big-two-hearted-giver
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150712/NEWS/307129978/a-resort-towns-savior-call-him-a-big-two-hearted-giverSun, 12 Jul 2015 08:00:00 EDTGas prices up 6 cents in past week to $2.94 http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150706/NEWS01/150709952/gas-prices-up-6-cents-in-past-week-to-2-94
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150706/NEWS01/150709952/gas-prices-up-6-cents-in-past-week-to-2-94Mon, 6 Jul 2015 06:39:16 EDTAssociated Press - AAA Michigan says gas prices statewide have gone up by about 6 cents in the past week. The Dearborn-based auto club says the average price for self-serve regular unleaded gasoline was about $2.94 per gallon on Sunday. That's about 85 cents less than at the same time last year. AAA Michigan surveys daily fuel prices at 2,800 gas stations across the state. The lowest average price was about $2.74 per gallon in the Marquette area, while the highest average was about $2.99 a gallon in the Ann Arbor ]]>Oakland County makes room for new hotelshttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150704/NEWS/307059981/oakland-county-makes-room-for-new-hotels
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150704/NEWS/307059981/oakland-county-makes-room-for-new-hotelsSat, 4 Jul 2015 08:00:00 EDT
Sherri Welch
- Construction of new Oakland County hotel projects continues in the midst of historically low financing rates for developers and strong demand. And they aren't all limited-service projects. A project under construction in West Bloomfield Township's community center district, for example, includes a Hampton Inn, a restaurant with rooftop seating, retail storefront space for multiple tenants, courtyards and a garden. The garden includes a running stream and waterfall — and a spot for an]]>Boats help keep state afloathttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150628/NEWS/150629855/boats-help-keep-state-afloat
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150628/NEWS/150629855/boats-help-keep-state-afloatSun, 28 Jun 2015 08:00:00 EDT
Dustin Walsh
- With nearly 20 percent of the world's fresh water found in and around the state, it's no surprise Michiganders take to the water. In this state, you're never more than six miles from a lake or stream.Michigan's Great Lakes, and its more than 11,000 inland lakes and river systems, are a recreational boating powerhouse. There are nearly a million registered boats and an estimated 300,000 kayaks and canoes in Michigan.And despite a recent decline in boat registrations, Michigan boaters are]]>Second tower planned for Detroit's Crowne Plaza Pontchartrainhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150628/NEWS/306289971/second-tower-planned-for-detroits-crowne-plaza-pontchartrain
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150628/NEWS/306289971/second-tower-planned-for-detroits-crowne-plaza-pontchartrainSun, 28 Jun 2015 08:00:00 EDT
Sherri Welch
- The owners of the Crowne Plaza Pontchartrain Detroit are considering a second tower on its downtown Detroit site, the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau has confirmed.Construction of a second tower — which experts say would cost in the $30 million-to-$35 million range — could bring the hotel up to 800-850 rooms. That would make it the state's second largest, behind the riverfront Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center.And it could help the city gain an edge in]]>Michigan firm has role in preserving Hemingway's Cuban legacyhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150627/NEWS/306289969/michigan-firm-has-role-in-preserving-hemingways-cuban-legacy
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150627/NEWS/306289969/michigan-firm-has-role-in-preserving-hemingways-cuban-legacySat, 27 Jun 2015 12:00:00 EDT
Kirk Pinho
- Cocooned by palm, mango and avocado trees and bamboo shoots atop a hill overlooking downtown Havana 12 miles away, Finca Vigía — Ernest Hemingway's home for more than two decades until just before he committed suicide in 1961 — is one of the top tourist attractions in Cuba. On its 12 acres in tiny San Francisco de Paula are some of the famed American author's most prized possessions: about 9,000 books, rough drafts of his own work, letters, photographs, the heads of exotic]]>Co-owner of former Dearborn Hyatt speaks out on purchase price, improvement plans, strategyhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150619/BLOG009/150619801/co-owner-of-former-dearborn-hyatt-speaks-out-on-purchase-price
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150619/BLOG009/150619801/co-owner-of-former-dearborn-hyatt-speaks-out-on-purchase-priceFri, 19 Jun 2015 17:30:00 EDT
Sherri Welch
- Earlier this week, after I reported that the former Dearborn Hyatt Regency is for sale again, one of the owners of its Israel-based ownership group contacted me to set a few things straight. It’s the first time Royal Realties LLC has spoken out in the 2 1/2 years I’ve been covering the hotel’s saga. The co-owner, who asked not to be identified publicly, said Royal bought the hotel for $15.45 million after the original owner, Ashford Hospitality Trust Inc., defaulted on its]]>Former Dearborn Hyatt Regency is for sale againhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150612/BLOG009/150619933/former-dearborn-hyatt-regency-is-for-sale-again
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150612/BLOG009/150619933/former-dearborn-hyatt-regency-is-for-sale-againFri, 12 Jun 2015 19:00:00 EDT
Sherri Welch
- Don’t look now, but the hotel formerly known as the Dearborn Hyatt Regency is for sale once again. The move is the latest in 2 1/2 unsettled years for the property that was once the epicenter of the local meeting market. Located across from Ford Motor Co.’s world headquarters along the Southfield Freeway, the 14-story, contemporary design hotel — operating as the Royal Dearborn Hotel & Convention Center since Thursday — is the state’s second-largest with]]>Former Hyatt Regency Dearborn will change its name — againhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150611/BLOG009/150619965/former-hyatt-regency-dearborn-will-change-its-name-again
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150611/BLOG009/150619965/former-hyatt-regency-dearborn-will-change-its-name-againThu, 11 Jun 2015 14:00:00 EDT
Sherri Welch
- Instead of new signs that were set to be unveiled today at the former Hyatt Regency Dearborn, passers-by will see curtains. That’s because the hotel, which was set to begin operating as the Regency Dearborn Hotel & Convention Center today, as Crain’s reported in May, has changed its name yet again. New signs proclaiming the hotel as the Royal Dearborn Hotel & Convention Center are in the works. The lettering for the Regency Dearborn name was removed after Hyatt Corp.,]]>New suites make Grand Hotel granderhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150528/NEWS/305319993/new-suites-make-grand-hotel-grander
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150528/NEWS/305319993/new-suites-make-grand-hotel-granderThu, 28 May 2015 10:45:00 EDT
Sherri Welch
- The Grand Hotel has added two suites adjacent to the premium one-bedroom Musser Suite, which opened on the west end of the fourth floor last summer. The suite is named after the late former chairman of the hotel, R.D. Musser.The suites, which include one or two bedrooms and a parlor, bring the total number of rooms at the hotel to 390. They are part of an ongoing multimillion-dollar investment that will add fourth-floor rooms and suites over the next two winters, the hotel said. The Grand has]]>New, renovated hotels update Mackinac Island's summer lookhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150528/NEWS/305319992/new-renovated-hotels-update-mackinac-islands-summer-look
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150528/NEWS/305319992/new-renovated-hotels-update-mackinac-islands-summer-lookThu, 28 May 2015 06:00:00 EDT
Sherri Welch
- A new hotel and renovations to two of Mackinac Island's venerable hotels will be visible to island visitors this summer. Mackinac Island's Mission Point Resort is in the midst of a major renovation under its new out-of-state owners.The expansive resort on the island's southeast side, which changed hands in December, has already seen updates to its 259 rooms, Wi-Fi and television system, and lobby, dining and conference areas. Heading into next year, plans call for a larger full-service spa in a ]]>A reporter runs through it: Memorial Day weekend on Huron River boosts Michigan economyhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150527/BLOG012/150529856/a-reporter-runs-through-it-memorial-day-weekend-on-huron-river
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150527/BLOG012/150529856/a-reporter-runs-through-it-memorial-day-weekend-on-huron-riverWed, 27 May 2015 11:15:00 EDT
Dustin Walsh
- So much of Memorial Day tradition is built around “American” activities as much, if not more, than remembrance of fallen U.S. soldiers. That’s not a comment on culture, but a fact. Whether it’s barbecues, boat rides or bunking it in a Northern Michigan cabin, Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer and the entrance into the state’s multibillion-dollar tourism season. Many of you likely lit the grill for the first time this year or dusted off your camping]]>Michigan lawmakers fight pushback on shifting state tourism funding to roadshttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150526/NEWS01/150529873/michigan-lawmakers-fight-pushback-on-shifting-state-tourism-funding
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150526/NEWS01/150529873/michigan-lawmakers-fight-pushback-on-shifting-state-tourism-fundingTue, 26 May 2015 14:33:40 EDTAssociated Press - LANSING — Gov. Rick Snyder's administration on Tuesday backed off the assertion that the popular Pure Michigan tourism program would have to be cut as a result of House Republicans' proposed plan to fund road repairs. The administration made it clear that it still opposes the shifting of economic development funds toward transportation while agreeing that Pure Michigan would not necessarily be entirely defunded. Michigan Economic Development Corp. CEO Steve Arwood testified to the House]]>Retire aging Straits of Mackinac oil pipelines to protect Great Lakes, islandhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150524/BLOG200/305249988/retire-aging-straits-of-mackinac-oil-pipelines-to-protect-great
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150524/BLOG200/305249988/retire-aging-straits-of-mackinac-oil-pipelines-to-protect-greatSun, 24 May 2015 08:00:00 EDTChris Shepler - The signs of spring are abundant these days, even up here at the Mackinac Straits: The ice has finally given way, seasonal residents and tourists are returning, and my family's passenger ferry service is making the round-trip trek again between Mackinaw City and the sparkling gem that is Mackinac Island, as we have for 70 seasons and counting. Something unseen is changing, too: The twin oil pipelines lying at the bottom of the turbulent straits have grown another year older. They are 62 years]]>New road funding plan would divert money from Pure Michigan, economic developmenthttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150522/NEWS/150529912/new-road-funding-plan-would-divert-money-from-pure-michigan-economic
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150522/NEWS/150529912/new-road-funding-plan-would-divert-money-from-pure-michigan-economicFri, 22 May 2015 16:34:10 EDTFormer Hyatt Regency Dearborn gets new flag — and familiar namehttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150520/BLOG009/150529993/former-hyatt-regency-dearborn-gets-new-flag-and-familiar-name
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150520/BLOG009/150529993/former-hyatt-regency-dearborn-gets-new-flag-and-familiar-nameWed, 20 May 2015 14:00:00 EDT
Sherri Welch
- There’s a new flag going up at the former Hyatt Regency Dearborn, but the new name for the state’s second-largest hotel will sound very familiar. By June 11, the hotel will begin operating as the Regency Dearborn Hotel & Convention Center, said Kevin Hilchey, CEO of its management company Lodging Host Hotel Corp. Management plans to change the brand as soon as it can get signage on the building, which will be by June 11 at the latest, he said. The 772-room hotel and]]>Wurlitzer Building sells for $1.4 million; boutique hotel, $20 million redevelopment plannedhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150518/NEWS/150519865/wurlitzer-building-sells-for-1-4-million-boutique-hotel-20-million
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150518/NEWS/150519865/wurlitzer-building-sells-for-1-4-million-boutique-hotel-20-millionMon, 18 May 2015 06:30:00 EDT
Kirk Pinho
- The former Wurlitzer Co. building downtown has officially sold to a New York City-based developer that plans a 97-room boutique hotel in a $20 million redevelopment. The $1.4 million sale of the building at 1509 Broadway St. closed on Thursday, said Jerome Eagger, principal of Detroit-based Summit Commercial LLC, which represented both the buyer, Ash NYC, and the seller, Paul Curtis. "We are very enthusiastic about the future of Detroit, and the opportunity to own such a special building within ]]>Hampton Inn first of 4 new hotels in Troyhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150515/NEWS/305179994/hampton-inn-first-of-4-new-hotels-in-troy
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150515/NEWS/305179994/hampton-inn-first-of-4-new-hotels-in-troySun, 17 May 2015 08:00:00 EDTHampton Inn & Suites Detroit/Troy opens, adding 122 rooms to market http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150512/NEWS/150519959/hampton-inn-suites-detroit-troy-opens-adding-122-rooms-to-market
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150512/NEWS/150519959/hampton-inn-suites-detroit-troy-opens-adding-122-rooms-to-marketTue, 12 May 2015 15:23:28 EDTTraverse City nonprofit is the engine pulling for passenger rail service from Ann Arborhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150510/NEWS/305109985/traverse-city-nonprofit-is-the-engine-pulling-for-passenger-rail
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150510/NEWS/305109985/traverse-city-nonprofit-is-the-engine-pulling-for-passenger-railSun, 10 May 2015 08:00:00 EDTAmy Lane
Special to Crain's Michigan Business - It's an idea with appeal: Riding the rails north from Ann Arbor to Traverse City, maybe for a summer weekend — and no highway congestion to contend with, there or back. The Michigan Land Use Institute hopes to make that a reality.The Traverse City-based nonprofit is spearheading a campaign to explore passenger rail service on an approximately 240-mile stretch of track between the two cities — an "A2TC" initiative that's generated interest and discussion as well as about $18,700]]>Kosch Hospitality takes over operation of Blossom Heath Innhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150503/NEWS/305039983/kosch-hospitality-takes-over-operation-of-blossom-heath-inn
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150503/NEWS/305039983/kosch-hospitality-takes-over-operation-of-blossom-heath-innSun, 3 May 2015 08:00:00 EDTKudos to Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau for bringing high-profile conference to townhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150503/OPINION01/150509972/kudos-to-detroit-metro-convention-and-visitors-bureau-for-bringing
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150503/OPINION01/150509972/kudos-to-detroit-metro-convention-and-visitors-bureau-for-bringingSun, 3 May 2015 08:00:00 EDTDetroit site among 5 to receive historical markers from statehttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150426/NEWS01/150429866/detroit-site-among-5-to-receive-historical-markers-from-state
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150426/NEWS01/150429866/detroit-site-among-5-to-receive-historical-markers-from-stateSun, 26 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDTIt's magic! Festival meant to boost biz in southwestern Michigan community http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150407/NEWS01/150409891/its-magic-festival-meant-to-boost-biz-in-southwestern-michigan
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150407/NEWS01/150409891/its-magic-festival-meant-to-boost-biz-in-southwestern-michiganTue, 7 Apr 2015 05:26:53 EDTMichigan chosen as 1st in Midwest for Google backpack photo projecthttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150323/NEWS01/150329951/michigan-chosen-as-1st-in-midwest-for-google-backpack-photo-project
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150323/NEWS01/150329951/michigan-chosen-as-1st-in-midwest-for-google-backpack-photo-projectMon, 23 Mar 2015 12:44:35 EDTAssociated Press - GRAND RAPIDS — Michigan has been selected as the first Midwest state to partner with Google on making photos of travel destinations available through Google Maps. Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, Travel Michigan Vice President David West and Steve Silverman from Google Maps announced the partnership Monday at the Michigan Tourism Conference in Grand Rapids. The partnership between Google and Pure Michigan will make attractions such as Mackinac Island, Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pictured Rocks National ]]>Cold didn't bother Michigan tourism, report sayshttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150323/NEWS01/150329945/cold-didnt-bother-michigan-tourism-report-says
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150323/NEWS01/150329945/cold-didnt-bother-michigan-tourism-report-saysMon, 23 Mar 2015 14:58:28 EDTAssociated Press - GRAND RAPIDS — A new report says that Michigan's tourism industry grew in 2014 despite the cold, wet year, and the tourism outlook is sunny going forward. The Michigan State University report says that 2014 was 6 percent cooler and 11 percent wetter than normal. Even so, it says hotel occupancy was up 2 percent and car traffic increased 1 percent. Michigan State researchers released the report Monday at the Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism in Grand Rapids. Read the report]]>Why Michigan should lead private-sector space racehttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150322/BLOG200/303229986/why-michigan-should-lead-private-sector-space-race
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150322/BLOG200/303229986/why-michigan-should-lead-private-sector-space-raceSun, 22 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDTJohn Sitkiewicz - President Barack Obama's decision nearly five years ago to ground the NASA shuttle program and put the future of American space exploration into the hands of the private sector essentially launched a new race to space. Since then, there has proved to be no shortage of innovators from around the country wanting to take advantage of the revolutionary approach to American space travel. In California, Texas and Florida, companies immediately began raising venture capital dollars and unleashing]]>Pure Michigan launches $12 million national ad campaignhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150318/NEWS01/150319835/pure-michigan-launches-12-million-national-ad-campaign
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150318/NEWS01/150319835/pure-michigan-launches-12-million-national-ad-campaignWed, 18 Mar 2015 13:45:00 EDTAssociated Press - ]]>These 10 big conventions are coming to Detroit this year: Plan accordinglyhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150313/NEWS/150319924/these-10-big-conventions-are-coming-to-detroit-this-year-plan
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150313/NEWS/150319924/these-10-big-conventions-are-coming-to-detroit-this-year-planFri, 13 Mar 2015 05:45:00 EDTDetroit Experience Factory to host open house at new welcome centerhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150311/NEWS/150319955/detroit-experience-factory-to-host-open-house-at-new-welcome-center
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150311/NEWS/150319955/detroit-experience-factory-to-host-open-house-at-new-welcome-centerWed, 11 Mar 2015 13:45:00 EDTNatalie Broda - When the talent attraction and retention nonprofit D:hive split into the Detroit Experience Factory and Build Institute in December, its executive director didn't think of the situation as a breakup. “We had two great programs that were thriving —one was the Detroit Experience Factory and the other was all the wonderful small business classes," Jeanette Pierce said. "Then we decided to divide and conquer, and reopened as separate organizations in the New Year.” To celebrate]]>3 Pontiac hotels sold as part of trust's $240 million in divestitureshttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150311/NEWS/150319958/3-pontiac-hotels-sold-as-part-of-trusts-240-million-in-divestitures
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150311/NEWS/150319958/3-pontiac-hotels-sold-as-part-of-trusts-240-million-in-divestituresWed, 11 Mar 2015 10:23:42 EDTMichigan's hotel room market still growing, but there's a downside, tourism experts sayhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150308/NEWS/303089991/michigans-hotel-room-market-still-growing-but-theres-a-downside
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150308/NEWS/303089991/michigans-hotel-room-market-still-growing-but-theres-a-downsideSun, 8 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDTSherri Welch - When are new hotel developments a mixed blessing? When the number of new rooms coming online outpaces increased demand in the market. Michigan and its top two meeting and convention markets, Detroit and Grand Rapids, saw a fifth consecutive year of increases in average hotel room occupancy rates last year. But the state's third-largest meeting market, Greater Lansing, saw a slight decline in average occupancy rates in 2014 as more hotel rooms came on line, according to Hendersonville, Tenn.-]]>Cruise lakes from Chicago to Montreal – no, not nowhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150301/NEWS/303019989/cruise-lakes-from-chicago-to-montreal-no-not-now
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150301/NEWS/303019989/cruise-lakes-from-chicago-to-montreal-no-not-nowSun, 1 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDTOwnership group of former Hyatt Regency Dearborn pays back taxes, saving hotel from foreclosurehttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150227/NEWS/150229842/ownership-group-of-former-hyatt-regency-dearborn-pays-back-taxes
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150227/NEWS/150229842/ownership-group-of-former-hyatt-regency-dearborn-pays-back-taxesFri, 27 Feb 2015 14:45:00 EDTSherri Welch - The Israel-based ownership group of Adoba Dearborn Detroit, the former Hyatt Regency Dearborn and the state’s second-largest hotel, has paid the back property taxes owed on the hotel, saving it from foreclosure. Royal Realties LLC paid the nearly $1.43 million in property taxes that was owed to Wayne County for 2012 and 2013 via wire transfer today, said David Szymanski, the county’s chief deputy treasurer. “We’re thrilled to see them come current with their taxes on]]>Ford Rouge Factory Tour gets new look with $4.7M upgradehttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150227/NEWS01/150229867/ford-rouge-factory-tour-gets-new-look-with-4-7m-upgrade
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150227/NEWS01/150229867/ford-rouge-factory-tour-gets-new-look-with-4-7m-upgradeFri, 27 Feb 2015 06:00:00 EDTAssociated Press - The Ford Rouge Factory Tour that gives visitors a close-up look at the making of the automaker's F-150 pickup has received a $4.7 million upgrade. The tour runs from The Henry Ford, the Dearborn history attraction that includes Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. As part of the recent overhaul, California-based BRC Imagination Arts helped create the Manufacturing Innovation Theater to showcase Ford Motor Co.'s manufacturing process. Christian Lachel, executive creative director and]]>State issues RFP for official Michigan travel guidehttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150226/NEWS/150229895/state-issues-rfp-for-official-michigan-travel-guide
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150226/NEWS/150229895/state-issues-rfp-for-official-michigan-travel-guideThu, 26 Feb 2015 11:30:00 EDTSherri Welch - The Michigan Strategic Fund and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. have issued a request for proposals to publish the official state of Michigan travel guide. The guide serves as an extension of the state’s marketing campaign and helps it reach out-of-state markets to help increase the number of travelers coming to Michigan, David West, vice president of the MEDC’s Travel Michigan effort, said in a news release. The state is seeking a full-service, integrated marketing company]]>Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau rolls out new marketing campaignhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150215/NEWS/302159997/detroit-metro-convention-and-visitors-bureau-rolls-out-new-marketing
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150215/NEWS/302159997/detroit-metro-convention-and-visitors-bureau-rolls-out-new-marketingSun, 15 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EDTSherri Welch - The Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau is rolling out a new marketing campaign urging metro Detroit to put its best face forward as a surge of new events and visitors comes to the region.Among them is the so-called Super Bowl of conferences, the American Society of Association Executives event in August, which is expected to bring 6,000 meeting planners who could bring future events to the city.In all, the back-to-back conventions and meetings are expected to attract 200,000 new]]>State names Belle Isle vendors http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150212/BLOG017/150219923/state-names-belle-isle-vendors
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150212/BLOG017/150219923/state-names-belle-isle-vendorsThu, 12 Feb 2015 17:12:55 EDTAmy Haimerl - Come this summer, visitors to Belle Isle will find kayaking, carriage rides, food trucks and more.Last fall, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources asked area businesses to bid on 12 contracts for recreational and concession opportunities on the island. In total, 28 firms entered bids, with 10 Detroit-based companies submitting proposals. (Just as a side note: Where were y'all? How could there only be 28 bidders for 12 plum contracts?)Today the DNR released the winners: Athletic complex,]]>Detroit was 27th most-traveled city in U.S. in 2014, website sayshttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150205/NEWS/150209856/detroit-was-27th-most-traveled-city-in-u-s-in-2014-website-says
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150205/NEWS/150209856/detroit-was-27th-most-traveled-city-in-u-s-in-2014-website-saysThu, 5 Feb 2015 14:33:00 EDTSherri Welch - Detroit moved up two spots last year in the Hotels.com annual ranking of the top 50 U.S. travel destinations. Detroit came in at No. 27, according to a preliminary release of the most popular cities ranking in the 2014 Hotels.com Hotel Price Index. The full index, which is based on bookings made globally on hotels.com, is due out in March. It includes the most popular destination rankings, average prices paid by customers for their rooms in each city and other information. In the]]>Flint residents upset; must be something in the waterhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150125/NEWS/301259996/flint-residents-upset-must-be-something-in-the-water
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150125/NEWS/301259996/flint-residents-upset-must-be-something-in-the-waterSun, 25 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EDTAdoba works to settle tax bills with county, negotiate new hotel name http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150125/NEWS/301259994/adoba-works-to-settle-tax-bills-with-county-negotiate-new-hotel-name
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150125/NEWS/301259994/adoba-works-to-settle-tax-bills-with-county-negotiate-new-hotel-nameSun, 25 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EDTSherri Welch - The Israel-based owners of the state's second-largest hotel, the former Hyatt Regency Dearborn, are working with Wayne County officials to clear up back taxes — and separately are getting closer on negotiations with hotel brands to bring a new flag to the site.The group is negotiating a payment plan for back taxes owed to the county to keep the hotel from being foreclosed on in February. That's after settling its more recent tax liabilities and the water bill with the city of Dearborn.]]>Campground fees rise this year at Michigan state parkshttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150125/NEWS01/150129872/campground-fees-rise-this-year-at-michigan-state-parks
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150125/NEWS01/150129872/campground-fees-rise-this-year-at-michigan-state-parksSun, 25 Jan 2015 07:20:42 EDTHuron River Water Trail gets national designationhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150125/NEWS01/150129871/huron-river-water-trail-gets-national-designation
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150125/NEWS01/150129871/huron-river-water-trail-gets-national-designationSun, 25 Jan 2015 07:55:26 EDT4 national brands in running to replace Adoba hotel flaghttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150121/BLOG009/150129948/4-national-brands-in-running-to-replace-adoba-hotel-flag
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150121/BLOG009/150129948/4-national-brands-in-running-to-replace-adoba-hotel-flagWed, 21 Jan 2015 14:24:35 EDTSherri Welch - Management at the former Hyatt Regency Dearborn — now operating as Adoba Dearborn Detroit — said four national brands are interested in hanging their banner at the state’s second-largest hotel. The 772-room hotel and conference center’s new general manager, Paul Banigan, declined to disclose the four contenders. But in December, Kevin Hilchey, CEO of Lodging Host Hotel Corp., the hotel’s Texas-based new management company, said brands touring the hotel included:]]>Detroit a prime example of Pure Michigan spirit, new state tourism leader sayshttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150120/NEWS01/150129983/detroit-a-prime-example-of-pure-michigan-spirit-new-state-tourism
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150120/NEWS01/150129983/detroit-a-prime-example-of-pure-michigan-spirit-new-state-tourismTue, 20 Jan 2015 12:38:18 EDTAssociated Press - David West's work took him to the snowy, frigid Upper Peninsula last week. Despite the weather, that's fine with him. "I'm very, very excited I'm going up to the U.P. in the middle of January," he told the Lansing State Journal. "I like the snow, and I want to go dog-sledding." For West, 43, a U.P. trek, a visit to Traverse City or a sojourn in Detroit are all in a week's work. He started a job last month as vice president of travel for the Michigan Economic Development Corp. He'll lead efforts ]]>Detroit Marriott completes $30M renovation project http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150114/NEWS01/150119944/detroit-marriott-completes-30m-renovation-project
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150114/NEWS01/150119944/detroit-marriott-completes-30m-renovation-projectWed, 14 Jan 2015 11:17:44 EDTAssociated Press - The Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center said it has completed a $30 million renovation project. The hotel announced today that the one-year project has overhauled its 1,298 guest rooms and 100,000 square feet of meeting space. The 70 floor downtown hotel, one of the tallest in the Western Hemisphere, remained open throughout the project. Only a few floors of guest rooms underwent reconstruction at a time and meeting space remodeling was done in phases to enable group functions to]]>New Pure Michigan ads showcase craft beer scene, 'downtown playgrounds'http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141229/NEWS/141229894/new-pure-michigan-ads-showcase-craft-beer-scene-downtown-playgrounds
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141229/NEWS/141229894/new-pure-michigan-ads-showcase-craft-beer-scene-downtown-playgroundsMon, 29 Dec 2014 13:39:24 EDTKristin Bull - A lack of snow won't stop the launch of the Michigan Economic Development Corp.'s Pure Michigan winter advertising campaign, designed to help promote cold-weather recreation opportunities in the state. Radio and television ads for the $1.5 million regional campaign began airing Monday and will continue through the end of January. In addition to four snow-themed ads returning from last winter, two new radio spots join the campaign this year. "Here's to the Curious" highlights the state's craft]]>Stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline to be protectedhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141227/NEWS01/141229909/stretch-of-lake-michigan-shoreline-to-be-protected
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141227/NEWS01/141229909/stretch-of-lake-michigan-shoreline-to-be-protectedSat, 27 Dec 2014 09:33:43 EDTFormer Milner Hotels President Ronald Milner dies at 85http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141223/NEWS/141229952/former-milner-hotels-president-ronald-milner-dies-at-85
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141223/NEWS/141229952/former-milner-hotels-president-ronald-milner-dies-at-85Tue, 23 Dec 2014 14:24:04 EDTDetroit Metro Airport adds to its menu of restaurantshttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141222/NEWS/141229968/detroit-metro-airport-adds-to-its-menu-of-restaurants
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141222/NEWS/141229968/detroit-metro-airport-adds-to-its-menu-of-restaurantsMon, 22 Dec 2014 16:33:53 EDTSherri Welch - A third new restaurant has opened in Detroit Metropolitan Airport’s McNamara Terminal this week, just in time for holiday travelers. Gordon Biersch, a brewpub, opened Monday in the former Heineken Bar location, said Nicholas Giammarco, principal partner and retail strategist at Birmingham-based Studio H2G, which worked on its design. It’s the third restaurant designed by Studio H2G to open at the airport since November. Last week, Longhorn Steakhouse opened in the former Jose Cuervo ]]>Mission Point Resort's new owners plan upgrades to Mackinac Island hotelhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141218/NEWS/141219841/mission-point-resorts-new-owners-plan-upgrades-to-mackinac-island
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141218/NEWS/141219841/mission-point-resorts-new-owners-plan-upgrades-to-mackinac-islandThu, 18 Dec 2014 12:12:14 EDTNatalie Broda - The Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island has changed ownership after nearly three decades. Kalamazoo native Dennert Ware and his family bought the resort and its full real estate portfolio for an undisclosed price from John Shufelt, who owned Mission Point for 27 years. The portfolio includes a commercial dock and residential property, totaling 18 acres. Ware and his wife founded D&S North LLC in October to purchase Mission Point Resort. The sale closed Monday. “I’ve failed]]>Stryker to pay $80M to end inquiry of subsidiaryhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141214/NEWS/312149999/stryker-to-pay-80m-to-end-inquiry-of-subsidiary
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141214/NEWS/312149999/stryker-to-pay-80m-to-end-inquiry-of-subsidiarySun, 14 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EDTAdoba Hotel's new owner meets with franchises, shops for new flaghttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141130/NEWS/311309971/adoba-hotels-new-owner-meets-with-franchises-shops-for-new-flag
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141130/NEWS/311309971/adoba-hotels-new-owner-meets-with-franchises-shops-for-new-flagSun, 30 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EDTSherri Welch - The state's second-largest hotel, the former Hyatt Regency Dearborn, could soon have a new flag. Since taking over management of the hotel Nov. 1 under a five-year contract, Longview, Texas-based Lodging Host Hotel Corp. has met with at least seven well-known franchises, said CEO Kevin Hilchey.They include Marriott International Inc., Best Western International Inc., Wyndham Worldwide, Choice Hotels International Inc. (with brands like Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Clarion, Sleep Inn and]]>Ronald McDonald House of Detroit plans first telethon for $3M campaignhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141126/BLOG009/141129906/ronald-mcdonald-house-of-detroit-plans-first-telethon-for-3m-campaign
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141126/BLOG009/141129906/ronald-mcdonald-house-of-detroit-plans-first-telethon-for-3m-campaignWed, 26 Nov 2014 11:53:00 EDTAdoba Hotel's new owner meets with franchises, shops for new flaghttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141125/NEWS/141129917/adoba-hotels-new-owner-meets-with-franchises-shops-for-new-flag
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141125/NEWS/141129917/adoba-hotels-new-owner-meets-with-franchises-shops-for-new-flagTue, 25 Nov 2014 14:34:25 EDTSherri Welch - The state’s second-largest hotel, the former Hyatt Regency Dearborn, could soon have a new flag. Since taking over management of the hotel Nov. 1 under a five-year contract, Longview, Texas-based Lodging Host Hotel Corp. has met with at least seven well-known franchises, said CEO Kevin Hilchey. They include Marriott International Inc., Best Western International Inc., Wyndham Worldwide, Choice Hotels International Inc. (with brands like Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Clarion, Sleep Inn and]]>Michigan cherry festival won't move from July 4, Traverse City officials decidehttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141124/NEWS01/141129941/michigan-cherry-festival-wont-move-from-july-4-traverse-city
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141124/NEWS01/141129941/michigan-cherry-festival-wont-move-from-july-4-traverse-cityMon, 24 Nov 2014 15:00:00 EDTKingsley Inn drops Radisson affiliation, begins renovationshttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141116/NEWS/311169947/kingsley-inn-drops-radisson-affiliation-begins-renovations
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141116/NEWS/311169947/kingsley-inn-drops-radisson-affiliation-begins-renovationsSun, 16 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EDTKingsley Inn in Bloomfield Hills ends Radisson affiliationhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141114/NEWS/141119833/kingsley-inn-in-bloomfield-hills-ends-radisson-affiliation
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141114/NEWS/141119833/kingsley-inn-in-bloomfield-hills-ends-radisson-affiliationFri, 14 Nov 2014 16:40:29 EDTSherri Welch - The Radisson Kingsley Inn in Bloomfield Hills is ending its decadelong affiliation with Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s Radisson brand to return to an independent Kingsley Inn banner. Kingsley Ventures LLC, which was registered to John Frasco, sold the hotel to Birmingham-based real estate company The Elia Group in June for an undisclosed amount. The flag change is set to take effect Saturday. Elia contracted Troy-based Hotel Investment Services Inc. as the new management company for the]]>Adoba Hotel's former management company reaches agreement with ownershttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141113/NEWS/141119865/adoba-hotels-former-management-company-reaches-agreement-with-owners
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141113/NEWS/141119865/adoba-hotels-former-management-company-reaches-agreement-with-ownersThu, 13 Nov 2014 13:31:57 EDTSherri Welch - The former management company of the region’s second-largest hotel, Adoba Hotel Dearborn/Detroit, and its Israel ownership group Royal Realties LLC have reached an agreement in a breach of contract case filed by the management company early this year. The agreement follows mediation ordered by U.S. District Judge David Lawson at an emergency hearing Oct. 30, following Atmosphere Hospitality Management Services LLC’s decision to end its management of the hotel, which operated as the]]>Adoba hotel to keep name; owners pay delinquent tax bill to Dearbornhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141103/NEWS/141109972/adoba-hotel-to-keep-name-owners-pay-delinquent-tax-bill-to-dearborn
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141103/NEWS/141109972/adoba-hotel-to-keep-name-owners-pay-delinquent-tax-bill-to-dearbornMon, 3 Nov 2014 13:18:39 EDTSherri Welch - The Adoba Hotel Dearborn/Detroit will continue to operate under that name, under a deal between the outgoing and incoming management companies for the hotel. Atmosphere Hospitality Management Services LLC, which owns the Adoba brand, reached the deal late Friday with the hotel’s new management company, Texas-based Lodging Host Hotel Corp., said Ed Lennon, managing member of the Edward G. Lennon PLLC law firm in Birmingham, which represents Atmosphere. Terms of the deal were not]]>Can Adoba make comeback?http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141102/NEWS/311029985/can-adoba-make-comeback
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141102/NEWS/311029985/can-adoba-make-comebackSun, 2 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EDTSherri Welch - The former Hyatt Regency Dearborn will live to see another day — and operate under yet another management company.But is the 772-room hotel and conference center now known as the Adoba Hotel viable long term? Hotel experts say only with long-deferred renovations that don't seem likely given the slim prospect for return on investment. Management of the Adoba Hotel Dearborn/Detroit was set to transfer to Texas-based Lodging Host Hotel Corp. on Nov. 1, following South Dakota-based Atmosphere ]]>Dearborn hotel to remain open after judge OKs management transfer, paymentshttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141031/NEWS/141039950/dearborn-hotel-to-remain-open-after-judge-oks-management-transfer
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141031/NEWS/141039950/dearborn-hotel-to-remain-open-after-judge-oks-management-transferFri, 31 Oct 2014 11:39:54 EDTSherri Welch - The former Hyatt Regency Dearborn got the near-term approvals needed to continue operating beyond today from U.S. District Judge David Lawson. Late Thursday approvals from the court were necessary in light of an ongoing breach of contract case in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan between Adoba Hotel Dearborn/Detroit’s outgoing management company, South Dakota-based Atmosphere Hospitality Management Services LLC, and the hotel’s overseas ownership group, Royal]]>Lodging Host to take over management of Adoba Hotel in Dearbornhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141030/NEWS/141039973/lodging-host-to-take-over-management-of-adoba-hotel-in-dearborn
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141030/NEWS/141039973/lodging-host-to-take-over-management-of-adoba-hotel-in-dearbornThu, 30 Oct 2014 14:59:37 EDTSherri Welch - The owners of the Adoba Hotel Dearborn/Detroit, the second-largest hotel in the state, have secured a commitment from a new management company, according to one of its attorneys. As Crain’s reported Wednesday, the Dearborn hotel’s management company for the past two years, South Dakota-based Atmosphere Hospitality Management Services LLC, said it plans to end its management at 11:59 p.m. Friday. Longview, Texas-based Lodging Host Hotel Corp.’s CEO Kevin Hilchey was flying into ]]>Adoba Hotel in Dearborn headed into foreclosure; management firm to leave Fridayhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141029/NEWS/141029825/adoba-hotel-in-dearborn-headed-into-foreclosure-management-firm-to
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141029/NEWS/141029825/adoba-hotel-in-dearborn-headed-into-foreclosure-management-firm-toWed, 29 Oct 2014 17:50:34 EDTSherri Welch - The future operation of the Adoba Hotel Dearborn/Detroit, formerly the Hyatt Regency Dearborn and one of the region’s largest hotels and conference centers, is once again in question. The hotel is headed into foreclosure proceedings as Wayne County seeks to collect nearly $857,000 in back property taxes, interest and fees from 2012. The owner of the property is overseas-based Royal Realties LLC. And the hotel’s management company, South Dakota-based Atmosphere Hospitality Management ]]>Afternoon riverfront walk reveals 'new' downtown, opportunityhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141019/NEWS/310199998/afternoon-riverfront-walk-reveals-new-downtown-opportunity
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141019/NEWS/310199998/afternoon-riverfront-walk-reveals-new-downtown-opportunitySun, 19 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDTDavid Feehan - In early 1994, after directing Kalamazoo's downtown organization for five years, I was offered the opportunity to return to my hometown of Minneapolis, where I was expecting to lead the city's community development agency. However, newly elected Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer called with a pitch I found too enticing to pass up. He said, "You can go back to Minneapolis and make a nice town even nicer, or you can come to Detroit and help me rebuild a great American city." I was soon working for]]>Greektown Casino-Hotel to modernize with new lookhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141019/NEWS/310199934/greektown-casino-hotel-to-modernize-with-new-look
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141019/NEWS/310199934/greektown-casino-hotel-to-modernize-with-new-lookSun, 19 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDTSherri Welch - Renovations meant to refresh Greektown Casino-Hotel's look, plus provide easier traffic access and upgraded food options, are on the table for the coming months.Athens Acquisition LLC, whose sole shareholder is Quicken Loans founder Dan Gilbert, is investing $50 million to $60 million on the renovations to the Detroit casino to give it a more modern look and improve customers' experience. The plan is to differentiate the casino by positioning it as a boutique hotel yet "with a neighborhood feel,]]>Q&A with new Pure Michigan chief David West: Regional expansion, global tourism planshttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141019/NEWS/310199922/qa-with-new-pure-michigan-chief-david-west-regional-expansion-global
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141019/NEWS/310199922/qa-with-new-pure-michigan-chief-david-west-regional-expansion-globalSun, 19 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDTChris Gautz - The state's heralded Pure Michigan campaign will soon have a new leader — one who plans to expand the outreach to potential tourists to a broader geographic base. David West, vice president of the Pennsylvania-based Pocono Mountains Visitor Bureau, will take over Dec. 1 as vice president of Travel Michigan, where he will oversee tourism branding, advertising and public relations.The Pure Michigan campaign has a $29 million budget this year, compared with the less than $3 million the state ]]>New Travel Michigan VP to take over Pure Michigan tourism campaignhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141013/NEWS/141019958/new-travel-michigan-vp-to-take-over-pure-michigan-tourism-campaign
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141013/NEWS/141019958/new-travel-michigan-vp-to-take-over-pure-michigan-tourism-campaignMon, 13 Oct 2014 14:33:05 EDTChris Gautz - David West, vice president of the Pocono Mountains Visitor Bureau, will take over the Pure Michigan tourism campaign in December, the Michigan Economic Development Corp. announced today. West will take over as vice president of Travel Michigan on Dec. 1, where he will be responsible for overseeing the state’s tourism branding, advertising and public relations efforts. West is a Michigan native who grew up in East Lansing and attended the University of Michigan and Michigan State]]>Growing D:hive to split into two new organizationshttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141012/NEWS/310129971/growing-d-hive-to-split-into-two-new-organizations
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141012/NEWS/310129971/growing-d-hive-to-split-into-two-new-organizationsSun, 12 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDTKent County's largest employer to offer same-sex benefitshttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141012/NEWS/310129974/kent-countys-largest-employer-to-offer-same-sex-benefits
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141012/NEWS/310129974/kent-countys-largest-employer-to-offer-same-sex-benefitsSun, 12 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDTAnime convention expected to fill RenCen Marriotthttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141012/NEWS/141019977/anime-convention-expected-to-fill-rencen-marriott
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141012/NEWS/141019977/anime-convention-expected-to-fill-rencen-marriottSun, 12 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDTQ&A with Bill Bohde, Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureauhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141005/NEWS/310059998/qa-with-bill-bohde-detroit-metro-convention-visitors-bureau
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141005/NEWS/310059998/qa-with-bill-bohde-detroit-metro-convention-visitors-bureauSun, 5 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDTLast week, the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau introduced its third annual "Shop Greater Detroit" campaign for the Canadian market. The campaign — focused on the Ontario cities of Windsor, London, Hamilton and Toronto — includes radio, newspaper and online advertisements meant to attract Canadian consumers. It also includes an online giveaway that will award one Canadian shopper a two-night stay at a Detroit hotel, a $500 gift card, tickets to a show and a D Discount]]>Letter: Develop, don't raze, city buildingshttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141005/NEWS/310059975/letter-develop-dont-raze-city-buildings
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141005/NEWS/310059975/letter-develop-dont-raze-city-buildingsSun, 5 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDTA Michigan fall color journey; those reds and oranges generate greenhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140930/BLOG011/140939982/a-michigan-fall-color-journey-those-reds-and-oranges-generate-green
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140930/BLOG011/140939982/a-michigan-fall-color-journey-those-reds-and-oranges-generate-greenTue, 30 Sep 2014 14:07:15 EDTChad Halcom - It wasn’t long, in a two-day slog through flat water and meandering turns of the Au Sable River this weekend, before I suspected this year’s fall color change in the area was making better progress than we were.The mind can wander to thoughts like that, over 18 hours paddling with no end in sight. I was sharing a canoe bound for Oscoda with an old college friend — and whenever we weren’t discussing our aching shoulders, or suing the makers of the 45 SPF sunscreen that]]>Campaign touts Detroit-area shopping to Canadianshttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140929/NEWS01/140929837/campaign-touts-detroit-area-shopping-to-canadians
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140929/NEWS01/140929837/campaign-touts-detroit-area-shopping-to-canadiansMon, 29 Sep 2014 16:07:24 EDTPort Huron welcome center construction hits halfway markhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140929/NEWS01/140929840/port-huron-welcome-center-construction-hits-halfway-mark
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140929/NEWS01/140929840/port-huron-welcome-center-construction-hits-halfway-markMon, 29 Sep 2014 15:57:16 EDTWork begins on Sea Life aquarium at Great Lakes Crossing mallhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140924/NEWS01/140929940/work-begins-on-sea-life-aquarium-at-great-lakes-crossing-mall
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140924/NEWS01/140929940/work-begins-on-sea-life-aquarium-at-great-lakes-crossing-mallWed, 24 Sep 2014 05:20:40 EDTAssociated Press - Construction is starting on a 35,000-square-foot aquarium being built at the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Auburn Hills. A groundbreaking event was held Tuesday morning for the attraction; it's scheduled to open in the spring. Mall owner Bloomfield Hills-based Taubman Centers Inc. (NYSE: TCO) entered an agreement earlier this year with London, England-based Merlin Entertainment plc to bring Sea Life Michigan to the mall. Merlin is leasing the former Game Works location on the I-75 side of the ]]>How to access Cobo Center while Cobo Square is being builthttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140923/NEWS/140929958/how-to-access-cobo-center-while-cobo-square-is-being-built
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140923/NEWS/140929958/how-to-access-cobo-center-while-cobo-square-is-being-builtTue, 23 Sep 2014 13:25:05 EDTSherri Welch - Cobo Center has closed several entrances to the building as construction on the new Cobo Square and canopy in front of the main entrance moves forward. Additionally, eastbound Jefferson Avenue between Cobo Center and the UAW-Ford National Programs Center and Washington Boulevard will close completely during construction beginning the week of Oct. 6, Cobo said in a release. During construction on the front of Cobo Center, the only pedestrian entrances open on the east side of the building off of ]]>Traverse City won't downsize Cherry Festivalhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140923/NEWS01/140929946/traverse-city-wont-downsize-cherry-festival
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140923/NEWS01/140929946/traverse-city-wont-downsize-cherry-festivalTue, 23 Sep 2014 15:23:33 EDT2 global suppliers promise nearly 1,000 jobs near GRhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140921/NEWS/309219992/2-global-suppliers-promise-nearly-1000-jobs-near-gr
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140921/NEWS/309219992/2-global-suppliers-promise-nearly-1000-jobs-near-grSun, 21 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EDTEvent bookings, attendance up at Cobo Centerhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140917/NEWS01/140919710/event-bookings-attendance-up-at-cobo-center
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140917/NEWS01/140919710/event-bookings-attendance-up-at-cobo-centerWed, 17 Sep 2014 12:37:05 EDTAssociated Press - Cobo Center officials say the convention center in downtown Detroit continues to see an increase in bookings for conferences and meetings. The venue hosted 65 shows between June and August. Twenty-six shows took place there during the same period in 2013. Three major trade shows also exceeded expected attendance this year by at least 25 percent. Cobo general manager Thom Connors said Wednesday that new high-tech event spaces "are bringing excitement to the shows" and Detroit "has once again]]>Robot made by Macomb academy to join Gov. Snyder for Mackinac Bridge Walkhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140901/NEWS01/140909998/robot-made-by-macomb-academy-to-join-gov-snyder-for-mackinac-bridge
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140901/NEWS01/140909998/robot-made-by-macomb-academy-to-join-gov-snyder-for-mackinac-bridgeMon, 1 Sep 2014 08:28:57 EDTDetroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau ROSE award winnershttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140831/NEWS/308319974/detroit-metro-convention-visitors-bureau-rose-award-winners
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140831/NEWS/308319974/detroit-metro-convention-visitors-bureau-rose-award-winnersSun, 31 Aug 2014 08:00:00 EDTMEDC on the hunt to spread the word about great outdoorshttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140831/BLOG015/308319987/medc-on-the-hunt-to-spread-the-word-about-great-outdoors
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140831/BLOG015/308319987/medc-on-the-hunt-to-spread-the-word-about-great-outdoorsSun, 31 Aug 2014 08:00:00 EDTThe Michigan Economic Development Corp. is using its marketing expertise, advertising budget and staff to reach out to hunters and anglers across the country — including metro Detroit — as a new way to increase tourism and generate economic activity."Detroit is a great example with an urban setting, but there are these opportunities for fishing," said Michelle Grinnell, public relations manager for the MEDC. "It's about reminding folks that urban areas also have these outdoor]]>MICHIGAN BRIEFS: What ACTs say about freshmen: This could get testyhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140831/NEWS/308319990/michigan-briefs-what-acts-say-about-freshmen-this-could-get-testy
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140831/NEWS/308319990/michigan-briefs-what-acts-say-about-freshmen-this-could-get-testySun, 31 Aug 2014 08:00:00 EDTHotel could move into former movie studio site in Allen Parkhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140829/BLOG016/140829806/hotel-could-move-into-former-movie-studio-site-in-allen-park
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140829/BLOG016/140829806/hotel-could-move-into-former-movie-studio-site-in-allen-parkFri, 29 Aug 2014 12:53:21 EDTPure Michigan gets ink - in the form of tattooshttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140826/NEWS01/140829886/pure-michigan-gets-ink-in-the-form-of-tattoos
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140826/NEWS01/140829886/pure-michigan-gets-ink-in-the-form-of-tattoosTue, 26 Aug 2014 08:08:26 EDTRiverfront conference center part of construction planhttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140824/NEWS/308249977/riverfront-conference-center-part-of-construction-plan
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140824/NEWS/308249977/riverfront-conference-center-part-of-construction-planSun, 24 Aug 2014 08:00:00 EDTSherri Welch - A riverfront conference center is planned on the grounds of the Roberts Riverwalk Hotel, the former Omni Hotel in Detroit's Rivertown area, as part of a $2 million renovation and construction project.Also on tap: a pool and pavilion area that the owners think will be the first riverfront pool for a Detroit hotel. Land for the new 6,000-square-foot, glass-fronted conference center building and pool area has been cleared, but the hotel is waiting for final permits from the city so it can begin]]>Bay County's MBS airport to update master plan, layouthttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140819/NEWS01/140819823/bay-countys-mbs-airport-to-update-master-plan-layout
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140819/NEWS01/140819823/bay-countys-mbs-airport-to-update-master-plan-layoutTue, 19 Aug 2014 05:54:32 EDTMICHIGAN BRIEFS: Traverse City train: A locomotive for development?http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140817/NEWS/308179987/michigan-briefs-traverse-city-train-a-locomotive-for-development
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140817/NEWS/308179987/michigan-briefs-traverse-city-train-a-locomotive-for-developmentSun, 17 Aug 2014 08:00:00 EDTMacomb's first exhibition center may be in workshttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140817/NEWS/140819861/macombs-first-exhibition-center-may-be-in-works
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140817/NEWS/140819861/macombs-first-exhibition-center-may-be-in-worksSun, 17 Aug 2014 08:00:00 EDTSherri Welch - The developers vying to bring an outlet center to Chesterfield Township plan to build a conference center and hotel on the same site. The 120,000-square-foot center, planned near M-59 and I-94, would be Macomb County's first independent exhibition center. The idea is that it would attract people to the outlet center, and the outlet center, in turn, would help bring people to the new exhibition center, said Thomas Guastello, owner and president of Center Management, a local developer that]]>Lose yourself in this new video marketing Detroithttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140815/NEWS/140819881/lose-yourself-in-this-new-video-marketing-detroit
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140815/NEWS/140819881/lose-yourself-in-this-new-video-marketing-detroitFri, 15 Aug 2014 12:24:55 EDTSherri Welch - As the 2014 American Society of Association Executives convention wrapped up in Nashville this week, the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau teed up for attendees a promo video highlighting "America's comeback city."Detroit is the site of the 2015 conference, which is known as the "Super Bowl" of conferences because it brings convention executives and meeting planners alike.The video features lively scenes of metro Detroit set to a pulsing cover version of rapper Eminem's "Lose]]>It's a blueberry boom in Michigan's Upper Peninsulahttp://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140815/NEWS01/140819891/its-a-blueberry-boom-in-michigans-upper-peninsula
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140815/NEWS01/140819891/its-a-blueberry-boom-in-michigans-upper-peninsulaFri, 15 Aug 2014 05:00:00 EDT